The UAE has 8 public holidays in 2026 that blend religious observances with national pride.
Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting, so the government typically confirms them a day or two before. There’s also a handy rule: when a holiday falls on Saturday, you usually get Monday off instead.
This guide walks you through every 2026 holiday with practical tips on making the most of your time off.
UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Official & Expected Dates)
Here’s everything you need at a glance. Civil holidays like New Year and National Day are locked in, while Islamic dates wait for official moon sighting confirmation from the committee.
| Holiday | Expected Date (2026) | Day | Potential Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | 1 Day (4 with Friday leave) |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 20-22 | Fri-Sun | 3-Day Weekend |
| Arafat Day | May 26 | Tuesday | Part of 6-Day Break |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27-29 | Wed-Fri | 6-Day Mega Break |
| Islamic New Year | June 16 | Tuesday | Likely Shifted to Monday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | August 25 | Tuesday | Likely Shifted to Monday |
| Commemoration Day | November 30 | Monday | 3-Day Weekend |
| UAE National Day | Dec 2-3 | Wed-Thu | 2 Days (5 with leave) |
Keep an eye on MoHRE announcements through social media and local news apps, especially for Islamic holidays that usually get confirmed after Maghrib prayer the night before.
Each holiday below includes what actually happens on the ground, so you can plan better and avoid the last-minute scramble we all know too well.
1. New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026, giving everyone one official day off to start fresh. Downtown Dubai transforms into organized chaos as thousands gather for the Burj Khalifa fireworks show.
Sheikh Zayed Road turns into a parking lot by 10 PM. Smart move? Take Friday off, and you’ve got four days.
Most residents book staycations at Atlantis or JA Beach Resort, while others pack up and escape to Hatta for mountain camping and cooler air.
2. Eid Al Fitr – March 20-22, 2026
Eid Al Fitr should land around Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, 2026, celebrating the end of Ramadan fasting. Families dress up in new clothes, visit relatives, and kids collect Eidi money in colorful envelopes.
The exact date depends on moon sighting announced after Maghrib prayer the night before.
Here’s the bonus: it lines up perfectly with KHDA spring break (March 16-29), giving school families two full weeks off. Book Flydubai tickets by February or watch prices double overnight. If you don’t have itinerary planned for it then you can check our Eid Dubai Itinerary for 2026 and plan accordingly.
3. Arafat Day – May 26, 2026
Arafat Day lands on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the sacred day when Hajj pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat. Muslims across the UAE observe fasting and spend hours in prayer at packed mosques.
While it’s just one official day off, this is where your calendar gets interesting. Combined with Eid Al Adha, you’re looking at six straight days without touching your leave balance.
Smart residents can book summer trips to Sri Lanka or Georgia now, before peak pricing kicks in in April.
4. Eid Al Adha – May 27-29, 2026
Eid Al Adha runs from Wednesday to Friday, May 27-29, 2026, honoring Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. This is the year’s biggest break. Three official days off. Families coordinate with approved farms for animal sacrifices, distributing meat to neighbors and charity organizations.
Arafat Day on Tuesday, plus the weekend after Friday, gives you six automatic days. Take Monday off too, and suddenly you’ve got nine days perfect for Europe or Asian beach holidays. Book Emirates flights by March or pay double.
5. Islamic New Year – June 16, 2026
Islamic New Year (1 Muharram) is expected on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, marking the start of the Hijri calendar. This holiday is quieter and more reflective than Eid celebrations. People focus on prayer rather than parties.
Since it falls on Tuesday, MoHRE will likely shift it to Monday for a three-day weekend. Check for official word before you reserve flights or hotels.
Many use this for quick escapes to Fujairah beaches or RAK mountains before summer heat becomes completely unbearable in July and August.
6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – August 25, 2026
The Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birth. Mosques hold special prayers and lectures while people engage in charitable activities.
Like the Islamic New Year, this Tuesday holiday should shift to Monday for a long weekend pending official confirmation. August means brutal heat and humidity pushing past 40°C. Everyone abandons outdoor plans.
IMG Worlds, Ski Dubai, and Dubai Aquarium see huge crowds of families desperately seeking air conditioning and indoor entertainment options.
7. Commemoration Day – November 30, 2026
Commemoration Day falls on Monday, November 30, 2026, honoring Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. At exactly 11:30 AM, flags are lowered across all emirates, and the country observes a moment of silence.
Everything just stops. Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi holds solemn ceremonies broadcast on news channels. Schools run assemblies teaching kids about sacrifice and service.
Landing on Monday automatically creates a three-day weekend leading into National Day week. Most people keep activities respectful and low-key throughout the day.
8. UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2026
UAE National Day spans Wednesday and Thursday, December 2-3, 2026, celebrating the 1971 union of seven emirates. The whole country erupts in celebration mode.
Cars draped in flags join convoys honking down every major road. Fireworks light up the skies across all emirates after sunset. Buildings glow in red, green, white, and black. Global Village and Expo City Dubai host special concerts and performances.
With two midweek days off, take Friday as leave for five days total. Hotels at JBR offer National Day packages, though expect premium prices during peak celebrations.
UAE Public Holidays 2026: Smart Leave Tips for Longer Breaks
A little bit of smart planning turns regular holidays into proper breaks without destroying your annual leave balance too quickly.
- May 26-31: One Monday leave gives you six full days.
- March 20-22: Lines up perfectly with school spring break.
- December 2-7: Add Friday for a five-day year-end break.
- January 1-4: Take Friday off for a four-day head start.
- June and August: Possible three-day weekends if dates shift
Flight prices on Flydubai and Emirates creep up steadily as holidays get closer, and hotel rates at popular spots like JBR and Palm Jumeirah can easily double or triple.
Book early, and you’ll have better choices and better prices. Wait until the last minute, and you’ll be fighting for scraps.
Conclusion: UAE Public Holidays 2026 Bring 8 Chances For Perfect Breaks
The 2026 holiday calendar hands you chances to rest and travel all year long, with that May stretch offering the absolute longest natural break you’ll get.
Just remember that Islamic holidays need official moon sighting confirmation, so build some flexibility into your plans. Book flights with free cancellation options on sites like Wego or Skyscanner in case dates shift by a day.
Whether you’re juggling company schedules, organizing family trips, or simply trying to maximize your downtime, you’ve now got everything you need to plan smart.
FAQs
Dubai observes 8 official public holidays in 2026, covering both religious festivals and national celebrations as announced by the federal government.
No, June 27, 20,25 is a regular working day with no public holiday scheduled unless it happens to be your normal weekend.
As of today, February 13, 2026, there’s no active public holiday happening right now. The next one coming up is Eid Al Fitr in March.
Yes, all Eid dates for 2025 have already passed. Eid Al Fitr happened in March, and Eid Al Adha was in June 2025.
UAE National Day 2025 was observed on December 2-3, 2025, with private sector employees getting the same two days off as government workers.
